BPSC Reintroduces Fifth 'Not Attempted' Option in MCQ Exams, Mandating Response for Every Question

Key facts

• Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) has reintroduced a fifth option 'E' in its MCQ-based exams, representing 'Not Attempted'.
• Previously, candidates could leave questions unanswered without penalty; now every question must have a response selected among A, B, C, D, or E.
• Unanswered questions (no option selected) will incur a negative marking of 1/3 mark per question.
• The rule applies to all upcoming BPSC examinations.
• Rajasthan and Haryana public service commissions (RPSC and HPSC) have similar rules, where leaving more than 10% questions unattempted leads to disqualification.
• BPSC exams typically contain 150 questions, and the new rule adds time pressure as candidates must ensure every blank has the 'E' circle filled.
• The commission states the change aims to make the exam process more transparent, systematic, and disciplined.

A new mandate for every question

The Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) has reintroduced a fifth option — 'E' for 'Not Attempted' — in its multiple-choice question (MCQ) examinations, requiring candidates to mark a response for every question. Previously, test-takers could leave questions unanswered without any penalty, but under the revised rules, each question must be assigned one of five options: A, B, C, D, or E. If a candidate fails to select any option, the question is considered unanswered and attracts a negative marking of one-third of a mark. The commission stated that the new system is intended to make the examination process more transparent, systematic, and disciplined. 'This will ensure that candidates record their clear position on every question,' a BPSC official said. The rule will be effective for all future BPSC examinations.

From four options to five: the mechanics

Until now, BPSC exams offered four answer choices — A, B, C, and D — and candidates were not obliged to answer every question. Many left difficult questions blank, which the commission said affected the evaluation process. With the reintroduction of option E, candidates must consciously decide for each question whether to attempt it or not. The 'E' option explicitly marks a question as unattempted, eliminating ambiguity. The commission clarified that if a candidate does not select any of the five options, the question will be treated as unanswered and the negative marking will apply. This places the onus on candidates to verify that every question has a filled circle, especially in the final minutes of the exam.

Time pressure and mental strain on candidates

BPSC exams typically consist of 150 questions, a volume that already demands swift decision-making. The new rule adds an extra layer of time pressure: in the last ten minutes, candidates often review questions they had skipped. Now they must also ensure that every blank has the 'E' circle filled, or risk losing marks. 'The final ten minutes are now a scramble to check that no question is left without a mark,' a candidate preparing for the exam said. The mental burden is significant. Candidates who are unsure of an answer must decide whether to guess (risking a wrong answer) or mark 'E' (accepting a guaranteed one-third mark penalty). This calculus, repeated across 150 questions, can affect overall strategy and composure.

Precedents in Rajasthan and Haryana

The BPSC's move follows similar rules implemented by the Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC) and Haryana Public Service Commission (HPSC). In those states, candidates who leave more than 10% of questions unattempted are disqualified from the examination. The RPSC and HPSC models have been deemed successful in improving answer rates and reducing ambiguity in scoring. By reintroducing the 'E' option, BPSC aligns with these neighboring commissions, aiming to bring greater uniformity and discipline to the examination process. The commission expects the rule to discourage random guessing and encourage candidates to make deliberate choices.

Immediate stakes and broader implications

The rule change comes amid heightened scrutiny of public service examinations in India, where concerns over transparency and fairness have led to reforms in several states. For BPSC, the reintroduction of the fifth option is part of a broader effort to modernize its testing procedures and align with best practices. Candidates now face a steeper challenge: not only must they master the syllabus, but they must also manage time and risk more carefully. The negative marking for unattempted questions could significantly affect scores, particularly for those who rely on leaving difficult questions blank. The commission has not announced any compensatory measures, such as increased time limits.

What comes next

The new rule will be applied to all upcoming BPSC examinations, though the commission has not specified a start date or a list of affected exams. Candidates are advised to familiarize themselves with the revised format and adjust their test-taking strategies accordingly. The commission has indicated that further details will be released in official notifications. As the rule takes effect, its impact on pass rates and candidate performance will be closely watched. If the experience of Rajasthan and Haryana is any guide, the change may lead to higher attempt rates but also increased anxiety among test-takers. For now, BPSC has made its position clear: every question demands an answer, even if that answer is 'Not Attempted'.

The bottom line

• BPSC has reintroduced a fifth option 'E' for 'Not Attempted' in MCQ exams, requiring a response for every question.
• Unanswered questions now incur a negative marking of 1/3 mark, increasing the penalty for skipping.
• The rule applies to all future BPSC examinations, adding time pressure to the existing 150-question format.
• Similar rules in Rajasthan and Haryana have led to disqualification for leaving more than 10% questions unattempted.
• Candidates must now balance the risk of guessing versus accepting a penalty for marking 'E'.
• The change is part of BPSC's effort to enhance transparency, discipline, and standardization in its examination process.